Police say a worker at an auto shop in Coeur d'Alene spotted an explosive device underneath the Mitsubishi Endeavor on Tuesday and called authorities.

The vehicle is registered to Edgar J. Steele, whom federal prosecutors have accused of hiring a hit man to try to kill his wife and mother-in-law. Steel was arrested Friday and pleaded not guilty Tuesday at his initial court appearance.

Shop employees say an unidentified woman brought Steele's vehicle in and was surprised when they told her about the device, which was detonated by a bomb squad.

Steele is well known from his work representing hate groups such as the Aryan Nations.